What is an AED?

An AED or, Automated External Defibrillator, is a device that is

used to shock a heart in fibrillation.

AED’s are popping up everywhere.  They are commonly seen in airports, schools, malls and exercise facilities.   Manufacturers have made the

AED completely idiot proof, the only thing you have to remember is to turn the AED on, it will tell you what to do after that.  The pads have pictures on them to show you where they should be placed. 
 

It is truly that easy!!  Here are some precautions to be aware of.

AED Precautions

Water:  Do not deliver shock if the victim is lying in water or covered with water.  Make sure you dry the chest completely before attaching pads or they will not stick.

Medicine Patch:  Do not put the pads close to a medicine patch.  Never remove a medicine patch with your bear hands, always have gloves on if you remove one.

Pacemaker or Internal Defibrilator:  Do not put the pads directly on a pacemaker. (Pacemakers and ID are usually on the opposite side of where you would put the pads.)

Hairy Chest: Press firmly on the pads if that does not solve it; rip the pads off and shave the chest.

Nipple ring:  You may want to consider removing a nipple ring before shocking the victim because the shock with burn them at the site of the nipple ring. Do not spend a lot of time doing this, if it does not come off quickly and easily,  leave it.

Always make sure that no one is touching the victim when the AED is assessing the victim or delivering a shock.  If anyone is touching the victim, even with their shoe, they could get shocked too and stop their heart.